3/31/2017 8:03 AM
Justin,
I'm on bent in the transition zone, all but 4 greens USGA spec, the other 4 are push ups with a decent 3" or so cap of sand. Depending on what the weather forecast is for the day, what is planned, and a few other factors, I like to see my greens about 17 in the morning (using the 3" probes). If they are below 15 we will spot water those areas. I have learned that we really don't start seeing wilt until 10 or below (summer only as just a week ago we were down in the 6-8 range and didn't see any wilt, but it was moist below the 3" range where we do have roots this time of year). If I'm spraying something in the morning that I don't have to water in, I will send someone in front of the sprayer and anything below 20, plus our known hot spots like ridges and such, we will water to get above 20 to 25. Of course I post all of this, but will tell you, you will need to find what numbers you are most comfortable with at your course. I've been using mine for 3 or 4 years now, and I am still learning, although I do think I have a pretty good handle on them now. So since I'm good, I will screw all of that up and now start playing with the 4.8" probes for the spring, and try to get a better idea of those numbers also. I wish I could afford a second one so I wouldn't have to switch probes.
Mel
Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO